FCDO Director and Acting Governor of Anguilla Visits Volcano Observatory
In a significant and insightful visit, Mr. Paul Candler, the Director of the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) – Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate, and the Acting Governor of Anguilla, was welcomed as a guest by Her Excellency the Governor, Sarah Tucker, to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) recently.
The visit, aimed at gaining firsthand knowledge of the volcanic activity on Montserrat, provided a unique opportunity for Mr. Candler to interact with scientists, and witness the awe-inspiring landscapes and the devastation caused by volcanic eruptions.
Upon their arrival at the MVO, Mr. Candler and HE Governor Tucker were greeted by Director of the MVO, Dr. Graham Ryan, and a team of dedicated scientists who have been monitoring the Soufrière Hills Volcano for years.
A highlight of the visit was a comprehensive tour of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, where the guests gained insights into the advanced technology used for monitoring volcanic activity and the tireless efforts of the scientists who work around the clock to ensure the safety of residents on the island.
In an extraordinary opportunity to witness the volcanic landscape from above, Mr. Candler and HE Governor Tucker embarked on a helicopter flight over Montserrat. The clear weather conditions provided them with a breathtaking and unobstructed view of the Soufrière Hills volcano’s lava dome. They also surveyed the stark reminders of past eruptions, with a sobering view of the once-thriving villages within the exclusion zone, now buried beneath layers of volcanic ash and debris.
As they departed from Montserrat, Mr. Candler and HE Governor Tucker expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and valuable insights provided during their visit.
